A middle school teacher in Florida is accused of having sex with her 14-year-old student. According to the boy, the twist took place in the classroom and in the backseat of her car. Now, police have released damaging phone conversations between the two. CBS News correspondent Mark Strassman has the story and the tapes.
"Folks, I need you to step aside. Please let us through."
With Debbie Lafave, the scandelous headline is forbidden love. This 24-year-old middle school reading teacher is charged with repeatedly having sex with one of her students, a 14-year-old boy. His suspicous mother alerted detectives. They secretly recorded her phone calls with the teen. His voice is distorted.
"You're being weird."
"So what time are you planning on heading over?"
"Are you sure? Like I just feel, I mean I don't want you lying to your mom. I mean it's like ..."
"No it's all right, she's (inaudible) all day."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah."
"Promise?"
"Yes."
"Pinky promise?"
"Yes."
If it sounds like a teenage puppet love, the criminal charges against her are dead serious, multiple felony counts.
"Debbie has some profound emotional issues that are not her fault. I think once anyone reads that the doctors have the say that they all understand all a lot more about what happened here."
Lafave seems reminiscent of Mary Kay Letourneau. In Seattle, her teacher's romance with a 6th grader ultimately produced 2 children. And, for Letourneau, 7 years behind prison walls. Recently released, she and now 21 year old are engaged. Lefave's husband has filed for divorce. And, when these modelling photos of her as an 18 year old surfaced, her story of taboo love became even more sensational.
"And, you have a teacher, in addition which is a young female, she's obviously attractive, recently married, and seem to have everything going for her."
Not any more. When her case is tried next April, her lawyer plans an insanity defense.